Few skincare products have the reputation of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. It’s in the bathrooms of dermatologists, skincare enthusiasts and people who never think about skincare at all. It’s also one of the best-selling moisturizers on Amazon.
Here’s our honest take on what it does well, what it doesn’t, and whether it’s right for your skin.
Verdict at a glance
| Best for | Dry, normal, sensitive and eczema-prone skin; face and body |
| Skip if | You have very oily skin or dislike rich textures |
| Key ingredients | Ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, glycerin |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free |
| Packaging | Tub (several sizes) or tube; pump version available |
| Our rating | Excellent value for dry skin |
What’s in it
The headline ingredients are three ceramides, the same types of lipids found naturally in the skin barrier. When your barrier is damaged by harsh cleansers, cold weather or actives, ceramides help repair it.
It also has hyaluronic acid and glycerin to draw in water, and petrolatum and dimethicone to seal it in. CeraVe uses what it calls MVE technology, a delivery system designed to release ingredients slowly over time. The cream is fragrance-free and has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
Texture and feel
It’s a thick, white cream that’s richer than a lotion but not as heavy as an ointment. It takes a minute to rub in and leaves a slightly protective, soft finish. On dry skin it disappears nicely; on oily skin it can feel greasy.
What we like
- Repairs and protects a dry or damaged barrier
- Gentle and fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin
- Works on face, hands and body
- Huge tub sizes make it one of the best values in skincare
- Easy to find almost anywhere
What we don’t
- Too rich for many people with oily or acne-prone skin
- Tub packaging means dipping your fingers in (use a clean spatula, or get the pump)
- Can pill under some makeup if you apply too much
How to use it
Apply to slightly damp skin after cleansing, morning and night. On your face, a nickel-sized amount is enough. It’s also an excellent body cream after showering, and a good buffer layer if retinol irritates you.
Alternatives
- For oily skin: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (see our oily skin picks).
- For extremely sensitive skin: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream.
- For a lighter feel: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for Extra-Dry Skin.
Compare more options in our best moisturizers for dry skin roundup.
FAQ
Is CeraVe Moisturizing Cream non-comedogenic?
CeraVe labels it non-comedogenic. That said, very oily or acne-prone skin may find it too rich, so a lighter lotion is often a better fit for the face.
What’s the difference between CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Daily Moisturizing Lotion?
They share key ingredients, but the lotion is thinner and lighter, better for normal to oily skin or warm weather. The cream is richer and better for dry skin.
Can I use it on my baby?
CeraVe makes a separate baby line. Ask your pediatrician before using any new product on a baby’s skin.
The bottom line
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream lives up to the hype for dry, normal and sensitive skin. It’s gentle, effective and a great value. If you’re oily or acne-prone, pick a lighter lotion for your face and use this one on your body instead.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. If you have a persistent skin condition, a reaction that doesn’t settle, or you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with a dermatologist or pharmacist before trying new actives.